Tanks are definitely in short supply from what I've seen for months now. At least below lvl 30. This will probably change when the hybrid XP penalty is removed, don't think that's happened yet. Clerics are around to some extent... but that's still probably another good choice. I wouldn't recommend warrior or rogue when you're starting out, since they're the most gear dependent classes in the game. Monk is gear dependent but their gear is usually cheaper and easier to get, so they can be a good choice. All casters seem relatively common on the server but that's probably because you don't need gear or money (outside of spell costs) to level them and I do see a lot of casters leveling naked or in their starter robe.
The thing is though... tanks and most melee classes are more gear dependent... and unless you're good at getting people to give you stuff for free, you're going to need a character like a druid to get you some money so you can actually buy gear for gear dependent classes and transport that gear around to your other characters since there's no instant travel besides ports and no shared banking. This is a big reason why everyone has a druid, because they're very useful. Especially if you don't know anyone on the server.
Of course, you can always play a tank in banded armor with a fine steel weapon and get by well enough, at least early on... really depends on how important gear is to you and the groups you're in though. There is a lot of twinking on this server though so... be prepared to find yourself in groups with people who have much, much better gear than you. Also depends on your goals, whether you just want to revisit classic EQ again for a few weeks or whether you want to get to end game content.
By the way.... you can make decent money in Crushbone selling CB belts and pads to players. Belts go for at least 3p and pads for 5p. Don't let people talk you into selling them for less. So, Gfay and Crushbone are one of the best places to start if you want to make some money while you level.
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